Loading map...

LAD destination photo
MPM destination photo

LADMPM

Which side of the plane to sit from Quatro de Fevereiro Airport (Luanda) to Maputo Airport (Maputo)?

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior perspective of Luanda's urban layout upon takeoff and a more dramatic entrance into Maputo Bay during the final approach, including views of the historic city center and the port.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🏙️

Luanda Cityscape

Aerial view of Luanda's skyline, the harbor, and the thin sandspit of Ilha do Cabo immediately after departure.

💧

Cubango River Basin

The winding river systems in southern Angola that eventually flow south to feed the Okavango Delta.

🌊

Lake Kariba Northern Tip

On more northern flight paths, the vast blue expanse of the world's largest man-made lake is visible on the horizon.

🦓

Limpopo National Park

Dense Mozambican bushveld and conservation areas that form part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.

🚢

Maputo Bay

A sweeping view of the Indian Ocean inlet and the Maputo-Katembe bridge during the descent into MPM.

Book an early morning flight to avoid the hazy glare of the tropical sun. On the approach to Maputo, keep your camera ready for the contrast between the turquoise Indian Ocean and the red soil of the Mozambican coastline.

Right Side Highlights
7.4
⛰️

Bié Plateau

The high central plateau of Angola, featuring dramatic escarpments and varied agricultural landscapes.

🏜️

Kalahari Fringe

Visual transition from the lush central African forests to the semi-arid red sands of the northern Kalahari desert.

🐘

Kruger National Park North

The northern reaches of the famous South African park, visible just before crossing into Mozambican airspace.

🏔️

Lebombo Mountains

The long, narrow mountain range that creates a natural border between South Africa, Eswatini, and Mozambique.

The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to witness the sunset over the African interior. Keep an eye out for the distinct geological line of the Lebombo Mountains roughly 20 minutes before landing.

Top Activities in Maputo
Route Information

Distance: 2,787 km (1,732 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 43 min

Departure: LAD (-8.858369999999999, 13.2312)

Arrival: MPM (-25.920799, 32.572601)

Route Type: International

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.